Improv Games and Acting Skills: Silly Superheroes and Villains
This class includes Improv games, acting out our own story about silly superheroes and villains created in collaboration with fellow learners, drawing characters and settings, and building self-confidence, communication and social skills.
Meredith J. Berlin
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(432)
What's included
3 live meetings
2 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursHomework
There is no mandatory homework assignment, however students will leave class with ideas of games to play with friends and family and skills to practice on their own.Assessment
The instructor conducts formative assessments during each class session to be sure that each student comprehends and feels confident using our foundational acting and improvisation skills. Learning goals are designed with student input, and are clearly stated and referred to throughout the lesson so that students can self-assess and have a structure within which to dare and take creative risks.Class Experience
A typical day in class: Each class session begins with a short improv game or storytelling structure related to the theme of the day. This is a fun way to break the ice and start to feel comfortable together as we warm up our imaginations, voices and bodies. Next we identify two or three specific skills to focus on for the day, and we center the work around our camp theme of "Silly Superheroes and Villains." We practice these skills as we play short Improv games and move through a series of acting exercises and challenges. (Focus skills for each day are listed in the daily breakdown below, along with examples of games and activities designed to address those skills.) The second half of class is dedicated to a building our story together and acting it out, using a longer Improv structure which gives us all room to explore and express our individual creativity and wonderful quirkiness. Something to keep in mind is that when we are creating, we can never be wrong, and every story we create will be unique and surprising! During the last few minutes we debrief and share something we remember from or learned during the class that day. Daily Themes with Examples of Activities and Games ( Note: The instructor may occasionally substitute alternative games in order to meet the needs of each unique group of students.) Day One: Working collaboratively. Listening closely and communicating clearly. "Yes, and..." (staying open to other people's ideas and spontaneously adding our own). Activities: Group storytelling (7-sentence stories, 3-headed monster, one-word story). "As I fly." Creating cheers and public service announcements based on imaginary superheroes and villains. Day Two: "What" and "Where." Using our bodies and movements to create a sense of place.Using imaginary objects/mime. Activities: Superhero/villain gizmos and gadgets. Add-on Environments. "What am I doing?" Buy/Sell. Gibberish Commercials. Day Three: "Who" and "Why." Transforming our bodies and voices to become a character. Objectives and Tactics. Activities: "I'm not who you think I am." Superhero/villain job interviews. Superhero/villain talk shows, "reality" shows or "mock-umentaries."
Learning Goals
Students will practice the following 21st century skills: Problem Solving, Interpretation, Creativity, Artistry, Curiosity, Imagination, Innovation, Personal expression, Perseverance, Self-discipline and Adaptability. Students will also practice cooperation, collaboration, communicating ideas clearly using voice, facial expressions, gestures and body, and whole body listening.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Our focus is on SILLY superheroes and villains, so there will be no violence enacted, nor will there be discussions about real weapons or real crime.
Supply List
Please have some paper (scrap paper is fine) and something to write or draw with on hand. Please wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in during class.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
5.0
432reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
As an actor, I love to play and explore. Improv games and structures help me learn through play, and I love sharing that experience with my fellow artists of all ages and at all levels of experience. As a playwright, I find that Improv helps me come up with three-dimensional characters that audiences can laugh with and care about. As a person, Improv makes me smile and helps me every day of my life to navigate all kinds of situations with a sense of humor. I can't wait to share these games and structures with you!Reviews
Live Group Class
$36
for 3 classes1x per week, 3 weeks
45 min
Completed by 43 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-10
3-6 learners per class
